MEETING OF UNEMPLOYED

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 970, 4 August 1877, Page 2

MEETING OF UNEMPLOYED

Pursuant to advertisement, a meeting of the unemployed was held tins morning at ten o'clock, in the Market place. Shortly after that hour a goodly number assembled. On looting round it was easy to be seen that (hose present were really working men, and that the genus loafer was not in any way represented. After a brief delay, caused by the appointment of a chairman being rendered somewhat difficult by a modesty on the part of the assembled crowd, a box was brought forward as a platform, and Mr Walker was duly installed thereon. The chairman opened the proceedings in a very sensible, manly speech. He pointed out the difficulty which existed, now that the public works of the colony were stopped, in obtaining employment, not alone by labouring men, but also by artisans and tradesmen. In the majority of cases those who were now without work had wives and families dependent upon them, and it was harder upon them than on those who had no such responsibilities. Mr AValker remarked that what they wanted was, either the means of leaving the country, or employment to enable (hem to tide over until better times came round. They had no wish to become criminals or paupers, but it was significant when they heard such expressions as that men would rather do a month than allow (heir families to want. The speaker then proceeded to contrast the labor markets of New Zealand and Australia, contending that in the latter country the working men were far better off, besides not being (axed so heavily as they were here. He then said that lie had a resolution to propose for their acceptance, and lie read it. Throughout the whole of his address, which was singularly moderate and sensible, the utmost order prevailed. The resolution read by the chairman was to the effect that the present labor market of Now Zealand being so much overstocked the Government should be asked at once to withdraw from any contracts entered into for the introduction of immigrants into the colony. This was seconded and carried unanimously. The Chairman then submitted a second resolution in which it was proposed to wait upon the Mayor to solicit his views as to a remedy. The speaker rather advocated the postponement of this until the Dunedin delegate, who he believed was on his way, should be here.

Mr Kent then rose and gave the meeting some excellent advice as to the inexpediency of trusting Mr John McLaren —the expected delegate from Duncdin. He pointed out that the working men of Christchurch were quite able to settle their own affairs, and that to mix themselves up in any way with Mr McLaren would only tend to bring discredit upon them. His speech was warmly applauded. The meeting having decided to appoint the deputation, the names were handed in, and the meeting, which was most orderly throughout, came to a conclusion.